Top 3 Rookie Catchers

This is the first installment of our seven part series on the top prospects at every position. We’ll continue our rankings with: Top 3 Rookie First Basemen (12/15), Top 3 Rookie Second Basemen (12/22), Top 3 Rookie Shortstops (12/29), Top 3 Rookie Third Basemen (1/5), Top 5 Rookie Outfielders (1/12), and Top 5 Starting Pitchers (1/19).

Note: A player must have rookie status entering the 2007 season in order to qualify for our lists. We rank players based on their potential and the likelihood they will reach that potential.

 

 
1. Chris Iannetta, COL: With his lofty 2005 strikeout totals (76 in 321 at-bats), lingering wrist issues, and overall disappointing season, critics found many reasons to temper their expectations for Iannetta, 23, heading into 2006. Apparently the 2004 fourth round draft pick didn’t get the memo.

Virtually every element of Iannetta’s game improved dramatically in 2006. Starting the season back at Double-A Tulsa, the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder tortured opposing pitchers to the tune of a .321/.418/.622 line. He then was promoted to Triple-A where he kept up a similar pace (.351/.447/.510).

In addition to his offensive success, Iannetta slimmed down his frame and improved his game-calling abilities. All of this led to a big-league promotion for the red-hot backstop, where he was respectable (.260/.370/.390) in 77 at-bats.

So what can we expect from Iannetta in 2007 and beyond? His BABIP (batting average on balls in play) was .374 in the minors in 2006, and .310 in the majors. That his 2007 hit rate should fall somewhere between these two numbers is reason for optimism. While he may never be an all-star, Iannetta is definitely a potential draft-day bargain, and a guy who can help your fantasy squad in 2007 and beyond.

 

2. Miguel Montero, ARI: Over the course of the 2006 season, Montero, 23, changed his job title from solid Double-A catcher to elite major-league-ready prospect.

The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder batted just .270 in 289 Double-A at-bats but did walk 39 times to post a solid .362 on-base percentage. This paired with his 10 home runs and strong play behind the dish sent Montero packing for Triple-A Tucson midway through the season, where he advanced to a new level of offensive firepower. A lefthanded hitter, Montero batted .321 with an impressive .396 OBP to go along with a very solid .515 slugging percentage and 7 home runs in Triple-A.

As evidence that Montero’s star is rising, the Diamondbacks brass decided to deal Johnny Estrada to Milwaukee, opening way for the Venezuela native to assume a starting role. But don’t be surprised if Montero splits playing time early on. Chris Snyder, who has been given chances to start in the past, will serve to bridge the gap until Montero is ready to take over on an everyday basis.

 

3. Carlos Ruiz, PHI: A prime example of a sleeper prospect, Ruiz rode through parts of five minor league seasons before he even saw Double-A. The 27-year-old had a two-season stay in rookie ball, spent one in Single-A, and two in High-A before things finally started to click for him in 2004.

Three strong seasons later, the once projected backup catcher – at best – is now in line for the bulk of the Phillies’ 2007 innings behind the plate. Most of Ruiz’s big league allure lies in his great arm and sound defense, but he will be a starter and his plate discipline continues to improve. Look for the 5-foot-10, 200-pounder to get 300+ at-bats and provide modest power totals.

Far from an above-average fantasy catcher, Ruiz should be available around the last pick of every fantasy draft and probably on the waiver wire in many leagues. If you wind up stuck with Dioner Navarro or your starter goes down, there are certainly worse backup options than Ruiz.

 
Check back next week for our Top 3 Rookie First Basemen.